Thomas says he’ll play in France

Deshaun Thomas, who left Ohio State with a year of eligibility remaining and was the 58th pick in the NBA draft, by the San Antonio Spurs, will play in France this season, he said today.

Earlier, Spanish and European basketball websites reported Thomas was close to signing with Estudiantes Madrid, which plays in Spain’s top league, the Liga Endesa.

But when first contacted this afternoon, Thomas said another opportunity had come up and he was considering it. While we were talking, Thomas took a call from his agent, J.R. Hensley, and said he had agreed to a contract to play for a team in Paris.

Thomas was not sure of the name of the team, and Hensley said last night that no agreement had been reached with anyone. “We are still evaluating all options,” Hensley said in a text message.

Thomas, the Big Ten scoring leader last season, played for the Spurs’ entry in the Las Vegas Summer League in July and averaged a team-high 12.4 points and 5 rebounds in 28.6 minutes per game. He made 41.4 percent of his field goal attempts, including 37.5 percent of his threes, in five games.

But the Spurs have a history of letting their draft picks, even first-rounders, gain more seasoning overseas before signing them or trading their negotiating rights. Barring a trade, they will retain exclusive rights to Thomas through at least the 2014 draft.

Thomas said he and Hensley spoke with the Spurs last week about offers Thomas had received from European teams.

“They didn’t know what they want to do with their 15 (roster) spots . . . and I needed to make a decision,” Thomas said.

“In this business, you have to think about family (Thomas has a 17-month-old son). I still could have gone to (training camp) and tried to make the (Spurs’) roster, but with my son and a family to provide for, I had to look at that. And developing a year ain’t going to hurt.

“It was kind of tough, because I wanted to make the roster. But if training camp didn’t go well, I’d probably be in the (NBA Development) League, and when you go in the D League, you need another part-time job.”

Despite the fact he will play overseas and not in the NBA next season, Thomas said he does not regret giving up his final season at Ohio State. He was philosophical, saying he puts his fate in God’s hands.

“God makes people who are very talented in this world not have things easy in life . . . to see how tough you are. Are you willing to keep fighting and doing what you’ve got to do?” Thomas said.

“If it takes a year to develop and get better, that’s what it takes. Some guys hang their head down and think it’s over, but it’s not. God put me in a great position to play overseas and develop another year and keep following my dreams.”